Group submits proposal to preserve the 32nd Army Headquarters Shelter as a “peace education site,” Okinawa’s vice governor will look to discuss at investigative commission
September 17, 2020 by Ryukyu Shimpo
The committee to preserve and open to the public the 32nd Army Headquarters Shelter (Eiki Senaha, chairman) met with Okinawa vice-governor Kiichiro Jahana at the Okinawa Prefectural Office September 16, where they submitted a proposal to designate the 32nd Army Headquarters Shelter as a “peace education site,” to preserve it, and open it to the public. Vice-governor Jahana commented, “Our views are aligned [with the committee]. Considering the historical significance, it should be a location that informs about peace, and we will form a new investigative committee to once again look into doing so,” and indicated that the new committee will discuss the message of peace and passing down of history to future generations.
Vice-governor Jahana also commented, “The investigative committee will look into preserving and opening the site to the public. Since we consider this the last chance to do so, we want to accomplish this during the current administration,” indicating a strong resolve to realize the proposal. He explained that the investigative committee will investigate using modern techniques for keeping the location open to the public, and will discuss the recovery of the remains of soldiers.
At the proposal, former gubernatorial research chief Akari Takayama reflected on the particulars of his decision to maintain and make the site public during his tenure as research chief, and requested, “Along with the reconstruction of Shuri Castle’s main hall, I would like to see the remains around the headquarters be maintained and opened to the public.” Vice governor Jahana commented, “We are not only concerned with the loss of Shuri Castle from the fire, but also taking serious consideration for the 32nd Army Headquarters.”
(English Translation by T&CT and Sam Grieb)
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